Author: yptnyc

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Member Profiles

July Member Profile: Jared Aisenberg

Jared Aisenberg \\ Service Changes Planner at MTA

My name is Jared Aisenberg, and I am a Service Changes Planner at MTA New York City Transit. I have a bachelor’s degree in urban planning and a master’s in city & regional planning from Rutgers University.  I’ve worked in both private parking consulting and in the public doing transit-oriented development work at NJ Transit. 

I love transit and its history and have taken that love and created a TikTok (@TransitTalks) that has ballooned to a strong following of over 57,000. Personal interests include traveling, cycling, being a foodie and Dunkie Junkie, and enjoying time with my friends, boyfriend, and family.

Why transportation?

There is no more uniting piece of society than the ability to move around, and transportation is the key aspect of mobility that allows for that to prosper. I’ve always loved the train, the bus, and the freedom it brings to go somewhere without being forced into a car. Transportation infrastructure, its history, and how it molds cities have always fascinated me. You can’t have what we have without transportation.

What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?

It is, by a long shot, the subway of course!

If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?

Total unification of services across the tri-state area under one, nonpartisan transportation agency.

Who inspires you? 

Historically, popular figures like Jane Jacobs light the fire in my heart that inspires me to continue to be an urbanist. Those who inspire me today are those who try to stop transit progress. I see them and how they put so much effort into suppressing something beneficial to the community and it makes me want to talk more and more about the work I do and the advocacy I participate in.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Don’t let your “different” interests stop you. Keep drawing, keep thinking, keep asking questions and exploring. Continue to love what you love about your “silly buses” and “silly trains.” But also… an engineering degree wouldn’t hurt.

What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?

Currently working on some new TikToks to promote awareness of the Crosstown CBTC project.

Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?

The City Beneath Us

What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact or joke?

West 4 St subway station uniquely bears the directional prefix of “West” because the Independent Subway, the company responsible for the lines that serve that stop, also planned to build a major station in Brooklyn at South 4 St (above the present-day Broadway station on the G train). The stations would’ve been only a couple stops apart, so the directional prefix at 4 St in Manhattan was added to avoid potential confusion.

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Member Profiles

June Member Profile: Chantel Cabrera

Chantel Cabrera \\ Senior Director of Subways Coordination & Solutions at NYCT

Chantel Cabrera serves as Senior Director of Subways Coordination & Solutions in the office of the Senior Vice President of NYCT, Department of Subways. In her role, she manages a portfolio including wide aisle gate implementation, track intrusion and fare evasion mitigation and school-age engagement. 

Chantel most recently served as Director of Public Affairs for Pace University’s New York City campus where she combined her passion for at-promise youth, community relations and local government knowledge. She previously served as the Director of Community Affairs for New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh, representing Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn waterfront communities. Prior to working with the New York State Senate, she spent five years at the New York Center for Interpersonal Development, a leading Staten Island based non-profit organization, as the Director of Workforce Initiatives. Here her focus was youth and workforce development, overseeing Summer Youth Employment and Department of Education contracts dealing specifically with alternative pathways to success. 

Chantel is a double alumnus and an EOP student of Stony Brook University, attaining her B.A. in Psychology in 2008 and MSW in 2012. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker and mostly recently achieved her master’s degree in business administration at Pace University in August 2023.

Why transportation?

Transportation is a new professional journey for me. I was initially drawn to the role because of the impact the responsibilities would have on the way New Yorkers navigate our city.

What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?

As someone who lives on Staten Island, I take the ferry every morning. Growing up in Long Island I have always had access to a car but I’ve really enjoyed learning more about the subway system and taking it regularly.

If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?

I would focus on improving interconnectivity between different modes of transportation. This would involve creating seamless connections between buses, trains, ferries, and other transit options to make it easier for people to travel across the state without encountering barriers or inefficiencies during transfers.

Who inspires you? 

I am inspired by the strong, passionate and ambitious women in my network who serve as my sounding board and support system.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

I would say, trust your instincts, know your worth and don’t be afraid to take risks. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and pivot if necessary.

What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?

I am the Subways lead for the solicitation for secure, accessible and modern fare gates for the future of the subway system.

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-mta-solicitation-secure-accessible-and-modern-fare-gates-future

Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?

My favorite newsletters are from the regional plan association (RPA), so I can stay current on what’s happening locally and women’s transportation seminar (WTS) to be motivated by women doing great things in the industry.

What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact or joke?

Off the coast of Delaware, there’s a place called Redbird Reef named after the decommissioned subway cars that make up the majority of the artificial reef.

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newsletter

YPT Newsletter

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Member Profiles

November Monthly Member Profile

Kristy Tu \\ Senior Transportation Engineer & Outgoing YPT-NYC Chair!
I’m a Senior Engineer at Arup, where I work on all projects re: transportation planning – spanning across data analysis, traffic engineering, transit planning and aviation. I’m currently the outgoing Chair of YPT-NYC and a fan of all things transport-related!
What’s your favorite YPT memory?
How can I choose just one?! I think I may have attended like, 100 YPT events at this point (not to flex too much – I just love YPT!). Tons of my favorite memories are from running events. Standouts to me are hosting the past 2 transportation trivia nights (I live for the booing crowd), reviving the YPT scavenger hunt this year and making people run around New York answering my silly clues, speed networking, and all of our phenomenal tours!
If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?
It’s gotta be taking bus reliability and frequency seriously. Flying through Mexico City on a Metrobus, faster than the Metro itself, really opened my eyes to what is possible when you have a laser focus on running efficient service with proper infrastructure.
What’s your favorite way to get around the YPT-NYC region?
I love indulging in a nice NYC Ferry ride. Particularly the route to Soundview/Ferry Point Park – it’s the most fabulously priced way to see the city. Also, all of the NYC Ferry boats were named by second graders – adorable! I also like the view from the J train.
What sparked your passion to work in the transportation industry?
I used to be part of a lot of extracurriculars back in high school, and because I’d always miss my school bus, my parents made me take public transit (1 hr or so) instead of picking me up (~10 mins). I had a lot of time to ponder about transit operations and car dependency while I waited for buses running on 30 min headways during snowy Canadian winters. I was also deeply interested in sustainable urban development. At some point, I realized I could get paid to ponder about transit operations and car dependency, so here I am!
What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?
For the past year I’ve been working with a team of airport planners on the Vision Plan for the future of Newark Liberty International Airport. It’s been fascinating being immersed in the world of aviation planning and working on a plan that will reshape such a major transprotation facility.
Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?
I really enjoyed “The Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal About Identity, Race, Wealth, and Power” by Deirdre Mask – it’s like travel writing and transportation/geographic history all in one.
What career advice would you give to other YPTers interested in your career path?
I think that my #1 is to always search for the meaning in your work and remembering why it matters. Transportation projects are long and complicated, and that can be deflating and burn people out and lead people to want to take the path of least resistance. But, I think that to achieve some really great things, there are battles worth picking and status quos worth questioning, even if it’s a harder way out. There are so many huge things to tackle out there – righting historic inequities, decarbonizing transportation, tackling the road safety crisis, delivering transportation improvements of all scales – and the world needs people who care deeply about these things to push them forward.
What famous celebrity do you think should be given the opportunity to voice a NYCT Subway announcement?
Taylor SWIFT!!!
What is your favorite transportation-related fun fact or joke?
The airport code for Panama City, Florida is ECP, which stands for “Everyone Can Party”. (Not a joke)
What upcoming YPT event are you looking forward to the most in 2023?
The holiday party, obvi!

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Member Profiles

October Monthly Member Profile

Sara Appleton \\ Assistant Director, Capital Project Delivery, Amtrak
Sara is a transportation and economic development strategist who has worked across the public and private sectors. Sara currently works at Amtrak, where she is leading major station capital improvement projects in New York and New Jersey. She previously advised public transit agencies and other government leaders on strategic, financial, and operational topics at the consulting firm McKinsey and led economic development initiatives for the City of New York.


If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?
My current focus is on improving rail infrastructure, but I’d love to continue to see improvements to our bus systems. Much work has been done in recent years to create more dedicated bus lanes, rethink routes, improve real-time information, enhance waiting shelters, etc. Given the number of people who don’t live close to a subway or train station, I’d like to see a continuation of those efforts paired with marketing campaigns to help improve the public’s perception of buses and make them a “sexy” travel mode.

What sparked your passion to work in the transportation industry?
In one of my pre-Amtrak lives, I worked at the New York City Economic Development Corporation, and as I advanced economic development initiatives across the City, it was clear to me how critical reliable transportation access is to the success of local communities and our broader economy. Yet transportation also has a very real impact on every individual’s daily life – whether or not your train is delayed can make or break your day. I love that transportation has this dual “macro” and “micro” impact and I don’t think our transportation systems get enough credit or attention for the critical role they play in our world.

What’s your favorite way to get around the NYC region?
MTA all the way. I know we love to hate the MTA, but it truly is a gift to be able to take the train down to the Jersey Shore, upstate to a hike in the Hudson Valley, and of course to (almost) every neighborhood in NYC.


What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?
I spend the vast majority of my time thinking about Penn Station. Amtrak is partnering with the MTA and NJ TRANSIT on an ambitious vision to modernize and expand the capacity of the station for the next century. I’ve loved having the opportunity to work so closely with colleagues from our partner railroads, as well as other stakeholders inside and outside of government, whose collective support is critical as we look to transform the station.


Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?
I highly recommend “Conquering Gotham” by Jill Jones. The book is an accessible, engaging re-telling of the story of the Pennsylvania Railroad’s construction of the original Penn Station and tunnels across the Hudson River. I think the book will amaze many with its description of the engineering tactics used a century ago and how much was unknown prior to the tunnel’s construction.

What famous celebrity do you think should be given the opportunity to voice a NYCT Subway announcement?
Lin-Manuel Miranda. He’s already posted videos singing on the subway, so I think he’s angling for the job.

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Member Profiles

September Monthly Member Profile

Anne Krassner \\ Sr. Program Manager for Mobility Management at NYC DOT
Anne is an urban planner who specializes in community-based planning and mobility justice. She’s been a community organizer in NYC for 10 years, and is currently at the NYC DOT working to improve mobility for people with disabilities, low income New Yorkers, and other underserved populations. Outside of work, Anne expresses her creativity through baking and loves riding her bike around the City.

What’s your favorite YPT memory?
All of the tours I’ve been able to attend have become core memories, but nothing beats climbing up to the top of the George Washington Bridge on the clearest day in August. You could see for miles (and down the 600 ft to the water…).

If you could snap your fingers and make one change to regional transportation, what would it be?
Not necessarily a tri-state change, but I would bring Citi Bike to all 5 boroughs and have fare integration with the MTA. Would love to see folks be able to transfer seamlessly and not have to pay 2 full fares. Let’s make that last mile easier for the neighborhoods with fewer subway connections!


What’s your favorite way to get around the NYC region?
MTA all the way. I know we love to hate the MTA, but it truly is a gift to be able to take the train down to the Jersey Shore, upstate to a hike in the Hudson Valley, and of course to (almost) every neighborhood in NYC.

What sparked your passion to work in the transportation industry?
Everyone makes trips, so I realized that working in transportation would allow me to work with all kinds of people across many different communities. Also, having access to affordable, reliable transportation can be a literal game-changer in people’s lives. Whether we’re building new subway stops, bike share stations, or widening sidewalks, it’s amazing to see your work out in the world and experience it making an impact on people’s lives.

What are you working on currently that you’re most excited about?
The DOT is starting to rethink and experiment with the design of the roads in Central and Prospect Park, and I have been helping engage with people with disabilities to understand how they use the parks and what they need to feel safe navigating through it. These streets were built to move cars quickly through, so it’s exciting to be a part of the rethinking as we design for a car-free future.

Do you have a favorite transportation book, blog, newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel?
There are a few newsletters that I love, but one I go to weekly is Sarah Barnes’ “Along for the Ride” (https://alongfortheride.substack.com/).


She does a great job discussing timely issues from the industry and highlights public, private, and academic points of view all with a cheeky, fun tone. It’s a great way to round off Friday afternoons.
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Member Profiles

Monthly Member Profile

Sara Appleton

Young Professionals in Transportation – New York City (YPT-NYC) is the local chapter of Young Professionals in Transportation International, a nonprofit coalition of organizations, which helps professional development, fellowship, and networking for young professionals in the transportation field. YPT-NYC’s members keep the Greater New York City region moving while providing a space for growing skills, sharing knowledge, and expanding professional networks.

Categories
Member Profiles

Monthly Member Profile

Anne Krassner

Young Professionals in Transportation – New York City (YPT-NYC) is the local chapter of Young Professionals in Transportation International, a nonprofit coalition of organizations, which helps professional development, fellowship, and networking for young professionals in the transportation field. YPT-NYC’s members keep the Greater New York City region moving while providing a space for growing skills, sharing knowledge, and expanding professional networks.

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newsletter

YPT-NYC September 2023 Newsletter

Lots of amazing events coming this fall including a fan favorite: transportation trivia. Set your calendars for Wednesday, September 27 at 6pm at Stout NYC. October brings Transportation Camp. Happy hours and a park cleanup are coming. Speed networking. Our holiday party! Also, remember to submit your nomination for a seat on your board for the 2024 term. Lots to do and oh so very little time. Enjoy it while you can.

2024 Elections

Election Timeline for Local and International. There are multiple links on the “Interest Form” page below, depending on what seat you’re interested in. Follow the highlighted text for all your options. I will say that being on the local NYC board for the past two years has helped me to appreciate my time in New York/New Jersey more. You make amazing connections and get a chance to guide and plan the monthly events we have here. NYC is the biggest chapter by far. If you’re interested, don’t hesitate! Or if you know someone who is—this is your sign to nudge them.

  • October 9, 2023 – Election ballots will be sent out by YPT International to eligible voting Members for all Chapter and International elections.
  • October 23, 2023 – Online elections close at 11:59 PM EDT. International and Chapter Board members and nominees will be notified of election results shortly thereafter.
  • November 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 – Board Transition Period
  • January 1, 2024 – New term begins for International and Chapter Boards.

September 2023 Events

Skillshare: Airports 101 (Tue. Sept 12)

Dive into the fascinating world of airport planning in this **virtual** YPT-NYC talk with experts Aarshabh Misra and Kristy Tu (chapter chair) from Arup. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about how airports work, you’ll learn about the intricate details and challenges faced by planners.

We will begin the talk with Terminals and Airside Planning, then move to Landside Planning.

This event is open to YPT members and non-members. 

Register on Eventbrite here!

September Happy Hour (Thu. Sept 21)

Join us for another fun YPT happy hour! This month, we’ll be going to Smith Street in Boerum Hill (Brooklyn) to one of our favorite beer gardens, Black Forest! 

Note: there are two Black Forest locations, this one is SMITH Street.

Registration on Eventbrite is encouraged, but not mandatory.

Register here!

Transportation Trivia Night! (Wed. Sept 27)

Ever yearned to share your knowledge of transit fare card names? Or what the 3rd oldest subway system in the world is? Or what the original name of the PATH train was?

Great news: YPT-NYC, APA-NY and WTS-NJ are delighted to bring back our legendary annual trivia night, this year BIGGER and better at Stout NYC (33rd St location by Penn Station).

The event will be held Wednesday, September 27th. Doors will open at 6:00pm, with trivia to start at 7:00pm.

You must purchase a ticket in advance on Eventbrite. This year, a drink ticket and food are included with your ticket! Grab some friends and come join us for a chance to reign supreme amongst the transportation trivia goers of New York.

Register on Eventbrite here:

Upcoming Events

TransportationCamp NYC 2023

TransportationCamp NYC will be held on Saturday, October 14th at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering in Downtown Brooklyn. Join us to discuss all things transportation and connect with professionals, students, and enthusiasts alike!

TransportationCamp is an unconference – every session is planned, proposed, and led by attendees like you. It’s the perfect opportunity to share your transportation passion with a diverse gathering of individuals from our multidisciplinary industry.

Register here on Eventbrite!

September Events

August Events Recap

Thanks to Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, for having a great lunch and learn with us!

Transit Museum Tour

We held an awesome transit museum tour with a fun scavenger hunt with museum staff!! Well done to the winning teams and thanks for having us, NYTM!

Reminder! YPT-NYC members get $15 off and a free tote bag when joining the NYC Transit Museum! Use Code I’m YPT15 at checkout.

August Happy Hour

Thanks to all who joined us at CultureLab!

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newsletter

YPT-NYC October 2023 Newsletter

It’s spooky szn, which means it’s time 

Transportation Camp! 

Happening This Month

YPT-NYC x TCNYC October happy hour

When: Thursday, October 12 (6:00-9:00pm)

Where: The Brazen Head, 228 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201

How: Register on Eventbrite

Join us for a special happy hour, in partnership with TransportationCamp NYC. All are welcome, including non-TCNYC attendees.

Although participation in TCNYC is not required, do check out the agenda and consider signing up! As an “unconference” for mobility enthusiasts, it’s not one to be missed. And if you’re attending, take advantage of this opportunity to hear about session proposals and meet other TCNYC participants in a casual setting. We’ll also have an interactive networking game with fun prizes to be won!

Exclusive perk: Each YPT-NYC member will receive one complimentary drink (while supplies last).

JFK Terminal 5 tour & TWA Hotel happy hour

When: Friday, November 3 (1:45-6:30pm)

Where: Terminal 5, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Queens, NY 11430

How: Register on Eventbrite. As a courtesy to others, please only sign up if you’re sure you can make it.

Hot on the heels of our Airport Planning 101 talk, join us for an exclusive tour of JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Here, we’ll learn how the New York-based airline transports millions of travelers every year, with a glimpse into its operation and construction of the new Terminal 6. 

Our visit to JetBlue’s home will be followed by a short guided tour of the adjacent TWA Hotel, a restored 1962 terminal designed by Eero Saarinen. We’ll conclude the afternoon with a happy hour in the Sunken Lounge. 

Heads up: This tour is capped at 18 people and is limited to members only. Your full name, gender and DOB (as per your government ID) are required in advance to access secure areas.

Upcoming Events

Speed Networking 2: The Speediest

September Events Recap

Happy Hour! Prost!

Trivia! 

Reminder! YPT-NYC members get $15 off and a free tote bag when joining the NYC Transit Museum! Use Code I’m YPT15 at checkout.

Monthly Member Profile

Sara Appleton (I have this)

Young Professionals in Transportation – New York City (YPT-NYC) is the local chapter of Young Professionals in Transportation International, a nonprofit coalition of organizations, which helps professional development, fellowship, and networking for young professionals in the transportation field. YPT-NYC’s members keep the Greater New York City region moving while providing a space for growing skills, sharing knowledge, and expanding professional networks.